As festival season approaches, several notable UK and European events are set to offer a wide array of experiences for music fans and families alike throughout the summer months.
In North Yorkshire, Deer Shed Festival returns from July 24 to 26, presenting itself as a creative hub designed for families. Since its inception in 2010, the festival has expanded to include a variety of activities such as sonic experimentation, skateboarding exhibitions, literary talks, wild swimming, cinema screenings, and an interactive maze. Musical acts headlining this year include Sleaford Mods, Getdown Services, Say She She, and Everything Everything, with comedian Stewart Lee also featured in the program.
East Sussex will host the Love Supreme Festival from July 3 to 5, catering to soul and R&B enthusiasts. The event boasts a relaxed atmosphere with on-site camping options and daily coach services from London. Festival-goers will find a diverse lineup including Ezra Collective, De La Soul, Jalen Ngonda, and Annie and the Caldwells, alongside wellness activities such as yoga, saunas, and hot tubs, complemented by offerings from acclaimed food vendor Ottolenghi.
From June 26 to 28, the UK-wide Everywhere at Once festival fills the traditional Glastonbury hiatus by utilizing grassroots venues across the country. This dispersed event focuses on intimate performances from both established artists like Fatboy Slim, Rizzle Kicks, and Tinie Tempah, as well as emerging talents, providing a platform outside of conventional festival settings.
In late August, the Lake District will host Krankenhaus from August 28 to 30. Organized by indie band Sea Power, this micro-festival blends musical performances with cultural activities such as book talks, fell walking, kosmik bingo, and a fancy dress dog competition. Confirmed performers include Stereolab and Stewart Lee, offering a unique mix of experimental and established artistry.
Psych Fest, a three-day city-based event held in Brighton, Manchester, and Edinburgh in early September, is aimed at fans of guitar-driven music. The lineup features acts such as Stereolab, Ty Segall, Angine de Poitrine, Shame, and Beta Band, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer urban venues without camping.
Field Maneuvers, running from August 21 to 23 in Norfolk, is known for its late-night rave culture, showcasing electronic music talents like Daniel Avery and Jana Rush. The festival maintains an anti-corporate ethos and also offers live acts and a well-regarded on-site pub.
For a female-led lineup, Forwards returns to Bristol on August 29 and 30 for its fifth edition. Headliners include Little Simz, Wet Leg, Tems, and Amyl and the Sniffers, alongside male artists, with the festival sharing its venue with a Lorde concert scheduled the day before.
London’s southside hosts Maiden Voyage on August 8, a day-long festival spotlighting underground rave and club music with performers such as Helena Hauff, HAAi, and D Tiffany. The event is notable for its vibrant dancing atmosphere and diverse crowd.
Blending performance art with rock music, Rock N Roll Circus will take place across Norwich and Sheffield in August. The festival combines circus acts—including aerialists, fire-breathers, and trapeze artists—with sets by James, Razorlight, The Vaccines, Madness, The Kooks, The Streets, Wunderhorse, and Richard Ashcroft.
Euro-focused events include the Dekmantel Festival in Amsterdam from July 29 to August 2, which concentrates on electronic genres like techno, house, ambient, and bass. DJs such as Ben UFO, Sherelle, Skrillex, Underground Resistance, and Jeff Mills are among the confirmed artists. The Montreux Jazz Festival on Lake Geneva runs July 3 to 18, continuing its historic tradition while embracing a broader range of genres with appearances by Nick Cave, Van Morrison, PinkPantheress, Tyla, Gregory Porter, and Deep Purple.
Way Out West in Gothenburg, Sweden, from August 13 to 15, showcases indie rock and alternative pop acts including headliners Lorde, Gorillaz, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Zara Larsson, The Cure, Blood Orange, Four Tet, and Lily Allen, with an undercard that features indie and rap artists.
Many of these festivals are offering ticket discounts to subscribers through curated cultural membership programs, providing added incentives for attendees to explore the diverse summer festival circuit.
